Tactical-gear interconnection system apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A tactical-gear interconnection system apparatus and method allowing connection of a variety of tactical gear such as gun stocks, camera supports, sights, rangefinders, grips, and clamps, in field-interchangeable configurations responsive to changes in field conditions, by providing same-sized threaded plug units on all gear and same-sized interchangeable unions for removable connection of various pieces of gear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of my co-pending application Ser. No.15/007,431, filed on Jan. 27, 2016 for a “TACTICAL-GEAR INTERCONNECTIONSYSTEM APPARATUS AND METHOD,” the full disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein, and priority of which is herebyclaimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tactical-gear interconnection systemapparatus and method allowing for connection of a variety of tacticalgear such as gun stocks, camera supports, sights and rangefinders,grips, and clamps, in field-interchangeable configurations.

Apart from the Picatinny-rail and earlier Weaver-rail standards, thereexists no standard for removable connection among different pieces oftactical gear. The Picatinny-rail system is designed for mountingrelatively small things onto a gun, and is not meant to withstand theconsiderable strain that results from connecting large or heavy piecestogether, or from connecting the various pieces in such a way that theconnection acts as a part of the supporting structure of the whole. Whenthe Picatinny-rail system is pressed into service for making structuralconnections, it is subject to failure. Such failure in the field is, atbest, undesirable, and at worst may be life-threatening.

In the field, people are called upon to make emergency repairs totactical gear and to reconfigure gear in order to meet unexpectedconditions. There is a need for a system of removable connections amongvarious pieces of tactical gear that is standardized, withinterchangeable parts; that is durable; and that is simple enough forthe making and unmaking of connections to be done blindfolded or inotherwise challenging conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a tactical-gear interconnection systemapparatus and method allowing connection of a variety of tactical gearin field-interchangeable configurations, responsive to changes in fieldconditions, by providing same-sized threaded plug units on all gear andsame-sized interchangeable unions for removable connection of variouspieces of gear.

This invention solves a problem with interconnection of tactical gear inthe field, under field conditions, responsive to changing fieldconditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts aredesignated by like numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the tactical-gear interconnection system;

FIG. 1A is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to a scope;

FIG. 1B is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to a cameramount;

FIG. 1C is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to aPicatinny-type rail;

FIG. 1D is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to a clamp;

FIG. 1E is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a detail exploded view of a unionused in the system of the present invention;

FIG. 1F is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to astabilizing mount;

FIG. 1G is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to oppositeends of a stabilizing mount;

FIG. 1H is a portion of the schematic view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system, illustrating a plug unit secured to a tripodstabilizing mount;

FIG. 2 is a view of an embodiment of the tactical-gear interconnectionsystem in use on an automatic rifle;

FIG. 3 is a view of an embodiment of the tactical-gear interconnectionsystem in use on a stock and a grip;

FIG. 4 illustrates exploded and assembled views of an embodiment of thetactical-gear interconnection system;

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system;

FIG. 4B illustrates a partially assembled view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system;

FIG. 4C illustrates an assembled view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system;

FIG. 5 illustrates partial-cutaway exploded and assembled views of anembodiment of the tactical-gear interconnection system;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exploded view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system;

FIG. 5B illustrates a partially assembled view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system;

FIG. 5C illustrates an assembled view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system;

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary embodiments of the tactical-gearinterconnection system having different sizes and the interconnectionsamong such different sizes;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded view of the tactical-gearinterconnection system with same-sized plug units;

FIG. 6B illustrates one of the plug units of the tactical-gearinterconnection system having a smaller external diameter than the otherplug unit;

FIG. 6C illustrates smaller diameter plug units of the tactical-gearinterconnection system and correspondingly reduced size of the unitelements;

FIG. 6D illustrates a double-ended plug unit of the tactical-gearinterconnection system with the ends of the plug unit being of the samesize;

FIG. 6E illustrates a double-ended plug unit of the tactical-gearinterconnection system with the ends of the plug unit being of varyingdiameter; and

FIG. 6F illustrates a smaller double-ended plug unit of thetactical-gear interconnection system with the ends of the plug unitbeing of a correspondingly reduced size.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 and the other figures generally, the tactical-gearinterconnection system method and apparatus 10 are shown schematicallyin use on a variety of tactical gear.

Same-sized plug units 11 are manufactured into or attached to a varietyof tactical gear such as stocks, grips, tripods, clamps, sights, cameramounts, or mounting rails. Therefore the joining of any two pieces ofgear will be a plug-to-plug, or male-to-male join. A union 15,comprising an internal-external threaded section 12, an internal-onlythreaded section 13, and an internally threaded collar 14, is providedto effect removable joinings of various pieces of gear. The plug units11 and the unions 15 are all of a standardized size or a small number ofstandardized sizes, allowing any union 15 that is available in the fieldto make any connection needed, whether such a connection has beenforeseen in training or has arisen from unique conditions.

The plug units 11 are chosen for affixing to the tactical gear becausesuch plug units 11 are easier to manufacture or retrofit onto the gear,avoid having to create a cavity in the gear, and are generally moredurable and easier to clean than sockets would be.

FIG. 2 illustrates the use of the tactical-gear interconnection systemin attaching an automatic rifle to a gun stock. The plug units 11 havebeen fixed to the rifle and the stock, either as part of the manufactureor as a retrofitting of the gear.

FIG. 3 illustrates the use of two instances of the tactical-gearinterconnection system in attaching a stock to the rear of a grip, withan exploded system at the front of the grip, ready for attachment.

Referring now to FIG. 4 & FIG. 5, the component parts are shown indetail disassembled, partially assembled, and assembled. The threecomponents of the union 15 are the internal-external threaded section12, the internal-only threaded section 13, and the internally threadedcollar 14.

The internal-external threaded section 12 has internal threads defininga socket sized to accommodate any plug unit 11, at the open end, andexternal threads defining a larger plug sized to accommodate the largersocket formed by the internally threaded collar 14. Opposite the openend of the internal-external threaded section 12 is a closed end havinga flat surface.

The internal-only threaded section 13 has internal threads defining asocket sized to accommodate any plug unit 11, at the open end, as withthe internal socket in the internal-external threaded section 12. Theopposite, closed end of the internal-only threaded section 13 has a flatsurface which extends beyond the external diameter of the body of thesection.

In use, the flat surface at the closed end of the internal-externalthreaded section 12 is brought together with the flat surface at theclosed end of the internal-only threaded section 13. Therefore, in use,the flat surfaces are face-to-face and the open-end sockets are in a180-degree relationship, except in embodiments intended to make anangled connection. This joining of the flat surfaces provides thebenefit of stabilizing the connection against flexing, bending forcesalong the line of the connection. Because the strain of the bendingforces is resisted primarily by the face-to-face flat surfaces, thisstrain is not applied to the threaded surfaces of the plugs and sockets.Therefore, the primary strain applied to the threaded surfaces of theplugs and sockets is the essentially constant strain of holding theconnection together, and not the highly variable bending strains appliedto the connection in use in the field.

The internally threaded collar 14 has two open ends, with one enddefining a socket sized to accommodate the larger plug defined by theexternal threads of the internal-external threaded section 12. Theopposite end is open enough to accommodate the external diameter of thebody of the internal-only threaded section 13, with a circumferentialledge or inward projection sized to make contact with the flat surfacewhich extends beyond the external diameter of the body of theinternal-only threaded section 13. Therefore, the internally threadedcollar 14 pushes the internal-only threaded section 13 nominallydownward while at the same time pulling the internal-external threadedsection 12 nominally upward, causing the two flat surfaces to be pressedtogether face to face, and making the secure removable connectionbetween the two plug units 11 and the gear to which each is attached.

FIG. 6 illustrates embodiments of plug units 11 of different sizes (FIG.6B), unions 15 accommodating different sizes (FIGS. 6B, 6C), anddouble-ended plugs adapter units 11 of different sizes (FIGS. 6D, 6E,and 6F). If an embodiment of the tactical-gear interconnection systemneeds to provide a choice of different-sized plug units 11, perhaps toaccommodate large differences in the sizes of the tactical gear, theunions 15 can be made to connect the different-sized plug units 11. Allof the unions 15, by design, are socket-to-socket connectors, asdescribed above. Plug-to-plug adapters, of same-sized plug units 11 ordifferent-sized plug units 11, as shown in FIGS. 6D-6F, can be providedin order to expand the available connection options. For example, it maybe understood that a plug-to-plug adapter, as pictured in FIGS. 6D, 6E,and 6F, featuring a first adapter plug unit on one end of theplug-to-plug adapter, and a second adapter plug unit on essentially theopposite end of the plug-to-plug adapter, allows the user to provide asupplemental removable connection between two pieces of tactical gear.For example, as shown in FIG. 6E, which provides a plug-to-plug adapterwith a first adapter plug unit of a different since than the secondadapter plug unit, the user would have the option of using theplug-to-plug adapter to provide a removable connection between twodifferently-sized pieces of tactical gear.

A plug-unit size of approximately 1-inch diameter is appropriate tosupply sufficient support for moderately large technical gear but notunreasonably large for smaller gear.

Suitable materials for making the tactical-gear interconnection systemapparatus 10 are essentially the same range of materials used tomanufacture tactical gear, which is machinable metals, compositematerials, and hard plastics. Different components can be made ofdifferent materials. If it is desired to make an electrically conductiveconnection between two conductive pieces of gear, then electricallyconductive material should be used to construct the union 15. On theother hand, two pieces of gear can be electrically isolated from eachother with a union 15 constructive of non-conductive material.

The simplicity and interchangeability of the tactical-gearinterconnection system provides benefits in the field. A spare union 15can be carried or can be borrowed from other gear. No tool is needed tomake and unmake connections. Connection and disconnection can beaccomplished blindfolded in training and under challenging conditions inthe field. Unusual configurations of tactical gear can be made in thefield, without tools, in order to meet unusual circumstances.

Many changes and modifications can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit thereof. I therefore pray that myrights to the present invention be limited only by the scope of theappended claims.

I claim: 1.-8. (canceled)
 9. A tactical-gear interconnection systemapparatus for removably connecting a variety of pieces of tactical-gearcomprising: (i) a plurality of plug units of the same size, affixed totactical gear; (ii) a union having two sockets of the same size as saidplug units, said union comprising: (a) an internal-external threadedsection, said internal-external threaded section having an interiorsurface and an exterior surface, having internal threads extendingsubstantially along the entire interior surface and external threadsextending substantially along the entire exterior surface, an open end,defining a socket sized to accommodate any said plug unit, and a closedend having a flag surface, the exterior surface of the internal-externalthreaded section defining a larger plug having a larger diameter; (b) aninternal-only threaded section having internal threads and an open end,defining a socket sized to accommodate any said plug unit, having anexternal body surface not larger than the larger diameter of saidinternal-external threaded section, and having a closed end having aflat surface extending beyond the external body surface and having adiameter larger than the larger diameter of said internal-externalthreaded section; and (c) an internally threaded collar having internalthreads and a first open end defining a larger socket sized toaccommodate the larger plug of said internal-external threaded section,and a second open end having a central opening of the same size as thelarger diameter of said internal-external threaded section, and acircumferential solid projection adapted to make contact with the flatsurface extending beyond the external body surface of said internal-onlythreaded section; and (iii) an adapter element, said adapter elementhaving a first adapter plug unit and a second adapter plug unit, saidfirst and second adapter plug units featured on opposite ends of saidadapter element, where, in use, said adapter element provides asupplemental removable connection between two pieces of tactical gear;where, in use, said internally threaded collar pushes said internal-onlythreaded section nominally downward while at the same time pulling saidinternal-external threaded section nominally upward, causing the twoflat surfaces to be pressed together face to face; and where two piecesof tactical gear affixed one each to said plug units, when connected tothe respective socket of said internal-external threaded section andsaid internal-only threaded section, removably connect one piece oftactical gear to the other. 10.-18. (canceled)
 19. A tactical-gearinterconnection system method for removably connecting a variety ofpieces of tactical gear, comprising: (i) providing a tactical-gearinterconnection system apparatus, comprising: (a) a plurality of plugunits of the same size, affixed to tactical gear; (b) a union having twosockets of the same size as said plug units, said union comprising: (1)an internal-external threaded section, said internal-external threadedsection having an interior surface and an exterior surface, havinginternal threads extending substantially along the entire interiorsurface and external threads extending substantially along the entireexterior surface, an open end, defining a socket sized to accommodateany said plug unit, and a closed end having a flat surface, the exteriorsurface of the internal-external threaded section defining a larger plughaving a larger diameter; (2) an internal-only threaded section havinginternal threads and an open end, defining a socket sized to accommodateany said plug unit, having an external body surface not larger than thelarger diameter of said internal-external threaded section, and having aclosed end having a flat surface extending beyond the external bodysurface and having a diameter larger than the larger diameter of saidinternal-external threaded section; and (3) an internally threadedcollar having internal threads and a first open end defining a largersocket sized to accommodate the larger plug of said internal-externalthreaded section, and a second open end having a central opening of thesame size as the larger diameter of said internal-external threadedsection, and a circumferential solid projection adapted to make contactwith the flat surface extending beyond the external body surface of saidinternal-only threaded section; and (c) an adapter element, said adapterelement having a first adapter plug unit and a second adapter plug unit,said first and second adapter plug units featured on opposite ends ofsaid adapter element, where, in use, said adapter element provides asupplemental removable connection between two pieces of tactical gear;where, in use, said internally threaded collar pushes said internal-onlythreaded section nominally downward while at the same time pulling saidinternal-external threaded section nominally upward, causing the twoflat surfaces to be pressed together face to face; and where two piecesof tactical gear affixed one each to said plug units, when connected tothe respective socket of said internal-external threaded section andsaid internal-only threaded section, removably connect one piece oftactical gear to the other; and (ii) using said tactical-gearinterconnection system apparatus for removably connecting a variety ofpieces of tactical gear.
 20. (canceled)